124thATCv2 Plugin for 

X-Plane 10/11 
 
Developed by Antonello Matacchieri (2015-2016) Original project by Sven Tunnermann aka 
HeliCharly (2009) 
credits 
   
 
 

1 INTRODUCTION 
 
The 124thATC plugin for X-Plane 10 provides enhanced ATC services and therefore 
increased realism for your flight simulation experience, without the need for joining 
some online flight simulation network. Since the plugin is designed to work completely 
offline, it can be used for any airport at any time. All phases from flight plan 
filing until taxiing to the gate or parking position at the destination airport are 
covered by this plugin. Below please find a list of key features. 
 
• Flight plan filing (with option to import flight plan directly from FMS) 
• Complete IFR clearance, allowing individual requests 
• Startup and pushback clearance 
• Taxi, takeoff and departure (SID) 
• Flight with handover between ATC centers 
• Requests for flight level changes, direct to waypoints or vectors to airports 
• Descent, approach (STAR) 
• Landing, missed approach 
• Taxi to the gate or parking position 
• Voice output (can be optionally disabled on readback) 
• Function assignments to keyboard and joystick/yoke buttons 
• Highly customizable, different phraseology settings (Europe/USA) 
• Airline call sign database and center frequencies database 
• Flight data export to kml-Files (for use in Google Earth or similar geo-tools) 
• Available for Windows, Mac and Linux (X-Plane 10 64bit versions only) 
 
 
Simply unpack the files into the X-Plane 10 plugin folder and start your simulator. 
For more detailed instructions on the installation please refer to ​
Installation 
chapter​
. 
Many thanks to HeliCharly for sharing the source code and providing the permission for 
continuing the development and using the original documentation. This plugin is and 
will remain freeware. 
For a short preview video based on an earlier version please check below link: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMJ3XuuxNGY 
If you like the new ATC experience provided by this plugin, feel free to make a 
donation h
​ere​
. 
  
1.1 Documentation overview 
This documentation is intended to guide you to quickly experience the ATC features 
provided by the plugin. We recommend, that you go ahead with the following P​lugin 
Interface​paragraph in order to learn about the basic elements and then right away 
start your first flight with ATC, continuing with the “FLIGHT PLAN FILING” and 
following chapters. The “Quick reference” sections guide you through all the basic 
steps as overview, followed by more details on each of the flight phases.  
 
 
 
 
 

2 PLUGIN USAGE 
 

2.1 Interface 
After  installing  the  plugin  it  will  be  available  via  “Plugins  →  124thATCv2”  on  the 
top  menu  bar.  Please  note  that  the  plugin  –  even  already  started  –  will  not  show  any 
activity,  before  a  correct  frequency  is  adjusted  on  COM  radio  (manually  or  via 
frequency selector). 
 
 

Start plugin:​manual start (if autostart is not 

enabled) 
Stop plugin:​stop the plugin execution 
Reset plugin:​complete reset of the plugin 
ATC dialog: ​
open the dialog for requests to ATC 
Frequencies selector:​open the pad for automatic 
setting frequencies 
  Options:​open the plugin o
​ptions menu 
?:​information on the plugin version 

 
 
 
 
 2.2 ATC interaction box 
This box will automatically appear at the bottom left corner of the screen whenever 
some interaction with ATC is possible or required. Simply click the desired request or 
reply to ATC. Depending on the setting “activate speech output” and “disable voice on 
readback” in the options menu you will be able to hear your request or reply to ATC. 
 
 

       

 
 

2.3 ATC communication box (to be activated/deactivated in options menu) 

 
This box contains all the communication between ATC and the pilots as text output. 

 
 

2.4 Frequencies selector 

Using the frequencies selector pad the required communication frequency for the active 
airport (depending on the entered flight plan) can be set on COM1. The departure 
airport will be active until reaching the top of descent (TOD) and after that the 
selectable frequencies will refer to the destination airport. Of course any frequency 
also can be manually tuned on the COM radios, this pad is just some feature for 
additional comfort. 
 

2.5 Flight plan 

Before starting any flight a flight plan needs to be created and filed. ATC needs to 
know your callsign and flight number, the departure and destination airport, the 
flight level and the planned route. For aircraft equipped with a flight management 
system, the complete flight plan can be directly imported from there.
  
 

2.6 ATC dialog 

In order to communicate any additional requests like flight level change, direct to 
some waypoint or direct vectors to some airport the ATC dialog window can be used. 
Also the cancellation of the flight plan is possible here. 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
2.7 Flight information (to be activated/deactivated in options menu) 
This function provides information on data used and calculated by 124thATC, including 
all basic parameters on the actual flight. The details displayed here also can be used 
for trouble-shooting, testing and bug reporting on the plugin. 
 
  

 
 
 
For quick and simple access to all these functions it is possible to assign keys or 
even joystick or yoke buttons. Please refer to paragraph ​
Keyboard and joystick 
assignment​for more details. In addition to that custom assignments an auto hide  
 
 
 

2.8 Flight plan filing 

2.8.1 Quick reference 
► Position your aircraft (preferably at gate or parking position) 
► Start the 124thATC plugin (not required if “autostart on X-Plane startup” is 
selected) 
► Power up the aircraft electrical systems (for communication radios to work) 
► Adjust DELIVERY frequency on COM radio (if not available take GROUND, then TOWER) 
► Click “File flight plan” on the appearing ATC interaction box 
► Fill in the flight plan form (call sign, departure airport, destination, flight 
level, route) 
 
2.8.2 Detailed instructions 
Position your aircraft at your desired departure airport on a gate or parking 
position. Now activate the 124thATC plugin via the X-Plane menu bar “Plugins → 
124thATCv2 → Start plugin”. This step is not required, if you have set the 
recommended “autostart on X-Plane startup” option in the plugin options. Make sure to 
have the aircraft electrical systems powered up, so that you are able to use the COM 
radios for communication with ATC. 
In order to get access to the “File flight plan” panel the correct frequency for 
getting the clearance needs to be adjusted on COM radio. You can get the frequencies 
from the airport charts or using the X-Plane map function (click on the airport for 
details). Another more comfortable possibility is to use the “Frequencies selector” 
pad provided by this plugin, which can be accessed via the top menu bar “Plugins → 
124thATCv2 → Frequencies selector”. 
Set the DELIVERY frequency, if available for the airport. If not, next option is 
GROUND and if this one is also not available, choose the TOWER frequency. You need at 
least a TOWER frequency on both, your departure and your arrival airport for the 
plugin to work. If none exists, refer to ​
Required frequencies to airport​section in 
this manual. 
 
 

 
 
After setting and activating the correct frequency the ATC interaction box will appear 
at the bottom left corner of your screen. Simply click “File flight plan” and the 
flight plan dialog will open. 
 
  
 
First the flight number or aircraft call sign needs to be entered. Following examples 
show different possibilities for setting up the call sign for your flight, depending 
if you fly an airliner or some general aviation aircraft. For most airlines 124thATC 
can retrieve the correct airline call sign from the ICAO airline code. Please refer to 
the separate list with all airline ICAO codes recognized by the plugin. 

 
 
ATC will address you as “Lufthansa 2475” (name retrieved from ICAO airline code list) 

 
 
ATC will address you as “Banana Airlines 246” (this also allows fictional airline 
names) 

 
ATC will address you as “Cessna D-EMEE” (general aviation) 

 
ATC will address you as “D-IDRT” (general aviation) 
 
For any aircraft with a gross take-off weight of more than 300.000 lbs (apx. 136.000 
kg) automatically the suffix “heavy” will be added to the call sign. 
 
Next the destination airport needs to be entered, simply using the airport ICAO code. 
The desired cruise altitude is to be entered in the field “flight level”. Please make 
sure to only enter numbers here, for example the number 120 for flight level 120. Do 
not use any letters like “FL”. 
 

 
 
As for the flight plan route there are several options. The easiest way is to import 
the flight plan directly from your flight management system (FMC/FMS), using the 
“Import from FMS” button. In case the flight plan was created with some external tool, 
it also may be entered via copy/paste functions. Further the route also could be 
entered manually. Please take care to enter the flight plan in upper case and only 
VORs, NDBs and INTERSECTIONS (no airports). 
 

 
 
Using the first entered waypoint the plugin will check, if a suitable SID (standard 
instrument departure) is available and use it. This only works if the first waypoint 
in the flight plan matches the last waypoint of the published departure route. In case 
no SID is detected, the plugin will calculate vectors straight to the first waypoint. 
For the arrival the plugin will use the last waypoint in the flight plan for checking, 
if a STAR (standard arrival) route is available and apply it. Make sure that the last 
waypoint in the flight plan matches the first waypoint of a published STAR. In case no 
STAR can be detected, the plugin will automatically calculate an approach route for 
intercepting the ILS. 
If you want to pass a waypoint at a fixed altitude you can use the suffix .FL.### (### 
= flight level integer, always use three digits) on waypoints. For example LBE.FL.090 
will direct you to VOR LBE at flight level 90. In case a waypoint with a lower 
altitude than your actual altitude is activated, you will be instructed to descend at 
the latest point possible to just reach the new altitude in time. Please note, that no 
approach descent calls will be provided while flying a fixed altitude waypoint. 
In order to finally file the flight plan, simply click the button “Send Flightplan”. 
Note: The last flight plan filed will be automatically saved in a text file located in 
your plugin directory using the file name “LastFlightPlan.txt”. The flight plan window 
will be prefilled with the last flight plan the next time you want to file a flight 
plan, which is quite useful if you wish to repeat some flight. 
Hint: In case you have some very long flight plan, you could do a copy of this text 
file and use it again if you want to repeat the flight somewhen in future. 
 
 

2.9 Clearance - Pushback- Taxi 

 
Quick reference 
► Click “Request IFR clearance” 
► Readback or request other runway if desired / readback 
► Change to GROUND frequency (if not there already) 
► Request pushback (if required) / readback 
► Request engine startup clearance (if required) / readback 
► Request taxi instructions / readback 
► Taxi to holding point of assigned runway 
 
Detailed instructions 
Once  you  filed  the  flight  plan  you  are  ready  to  copy  the  clearance.  Click  the  button 
„Request  IFR  Clearance“  and  pay  attention  to  the  communication  between  you  and  the 
controller.  ATC  selects  the  assigned  runway  depending  on  wind,  airport  flows  and your 
actual  position.  Please  note  that  the  assigned  runway  does  not  necessarily  match  the 
active runway announced by ATIS. 
 

 
In  case  you  did  not  clearly  understand  the  clearance,  use  the  “Say  again”  button  and 
the  controller  will  repeat  the  latest  information  (applies  mainly  if  you  use  voice 
output  without  the  text  window).  If  you  accept  the  assigned  runway  and clearance, you 
can confirm it with your “Readback”. 
 

 
 
If you prefer some other runway for the departure click the “Other runway” button and 
you will be offered a list of all available runways, where you can select your 
preferred runway from. After that ATC will provide a new clearance and wait for your 
readback. 

 
 
After your readback the controller will reconfirm your clearance readback and request 
you to contact GROUND (if not already on GROUND frequency) for startup and pushback 
clearance. 
 

 
 
 
Once you are ready for the engines startup and pushback (optional) go ahead with 
requesting the required clearances and do the startup and pushback. In case the 
engines are running already, the “Request startup” icon will be not available. For 
light aircraft the “Request pushback” function is disabled, as not required. 
 
 
 
  
 
After every instruction from ATC you have to do your readback, using the “Readback” 
button. 

 
 
After the engines are running and the pushback is finished we are ready to taxi and 
therefore have to request the taxi instructions from ATC. Please note that in the 
current version the plugin does not provide detailed taxiway information. It will just 
give you the instruction to taxi to a certain runway holding point. 
 

 
After providing our readback we can start to taxi to the holding point of the assigned 
runway. The distance for detecting if the aircraft is already close to the holding 
point can be configured in the option “Holding point radius”. For details please refer 
to ​
Options menu​
. 
Once you are close to the holding point, you will be requested to change to TOWER 
frequency. If you already are on TOWER frequency, the button “Request Takeoff” will 
appear. In case you are not handed over to TOWER or do not get the “Request Takeoff” 
button you are still too far from the holding point or at the wrong runway. 
 

 
 
In the current version the plugin does not support “runway line up” instructions. 
 
 
 2.10 Takeoff - Departure 
Quick reference 
► Change to TOWER frequency (if not there already) 
► Request takeoff clearance / readback 
► TAKEOFF 
► Handover to DEPARTURE/RADAR/CENTER / readback 
► Initial call to DEPARTURE/RADAR/CENTER 
► Ongoing altitude and heading instructions / readback 
► Change altimeter setting (standard pressure) at transition altitude 
 
 

2.11 Detailed Instructions 

After reaching the holding point of the assigned runway and changing to TOWER 
frequency you will be able to request the takeoff clearance. TOWER will provide the 
clearance and after your readback you are ready to go. 
 

 
Short time after takeoff TOWER will hand you over to some other controller, like 
DEPARTURE, RADAR or CENTER. Do your readback first, then adjust the new frequency and 
start your initial call. The controller will reply to your call and probably provide 
some instructions, which you have to confirm with your readback. 
 

 
 
During your climb out the controller may provide new instructions for heading and 
altitude, which you have to confirm with your readback and then comply to. 
 

 
Make sure not to forget to adjust the altimeter to standard pressure when passing the 
transition altitude. For more details refer to the section “Flight level error 
tolerance” in ​
Options menu​
. 
 

2.12 Flight 
Quick reference 
► Readback and comply to ATC instructions for heading and altitude changes 
► Confirm handover to other frequencies, change frequency, do the initial call and 
readback 
► Optional: request flight level changes, direct to waypoints, alternate airport 
(emergency) 
Detailed instructions 
During your flight you will be handed over from control area to control area. Always 
do the readback first, then change the frequency and call the new controller. After 
receiving the reply with instructions do your readback and comply. You may also 
receive new instructions for headings and altitudes. 
 

 
In case you get altitude correction requests from ATC as shown in following screenshot 
first double check, if you have adjusted your altimeter to standard pressure 
(1013/2992) correctly. For more details refer to the section “Flight level error 
tolerance” in ​
Options menu​
. 

 
 
Using the “ATC Dialog” via plugin menu or hotkey, you can address specific requests to 
ATC: 
  
 
Request cruising altitude change: Enter the required flight level and click the button 
“Request”. That will directly trigger your request to ATC. Depending on the reply from 
ATC provide yout readback and then change the altitude. 
Declare emergency and land to: In case of an emergency you can request ATC to provide 
vectors to some nearby airport. First enter the airport ICAO code, then click the “Go 
there now” button and follow the instructions provided by ATC. 
Jump to waypoint (direct to): When clicking the “Choose waypoint” button a list of 
available waypoints from the filed flight plan will be displayed. Choose one waypoint 
from the list for requesting a “direct to” for this waypoint from ATC. After that 
follow the ATC instructions. 
Cancel IFR: This will cancel ATC services for the actual flight. 
 

2.13 Descent - Approach - Landing 

Quick reference 
► Descent call by ATC at top of descent (TOD) / readback 
► Start the descent (the descent rate should roughly match the value set in the 
options) 
► Announcement of expected approach procedure and runway / readback 
► Handover to APPROACH controller with initial call / readback 
► Altitude, heading and speed instructions for approach / readback 
► Interception of ILS path or final 
► Handover to TOWER with initial call / readback 
► Optional: Missed approach 
► Landing clearance / readback 
 
Detailed instructions 
The top of descent (TOD) point is calculated by the plugin using the actual speed, 
remaining distance and the usual descent rate of the actual aircraft. This specific 
descent rate has to be configured in the plugin options. For details please refer to 
Options menu​
. Once the top of descent point is reached, ATC will provide the first 
descent instruction. Confirm the instruction with your readback and start the descent. 
Please note that in the current version the plugin is not aware of the terrain below, 
so you have to take care yourself about the minimum safe altitude by checking the 
charts. 
 

 
 
 
Getting  closer  to  the  destination airport ATC will inform you about the approach to be 
expected.  Please  note  that  the  plugin  will  choose  the  runway  depending  on your actual 
position,  wind  and  airport  flow.  Therefore  the  assigned  runway  may  differ  from  the 
runway announced by ATIS. 
 

 
 
 
For the approach route you will be handed over to APPROACH, along with instructions 
for the approach. If available a standard arrival route (STAR) will be used. In case 
there is no standard arrival route available, the plugin will automatically generate 
some approach route. Confirm the frequency change before leaving the frequency. 
 

 
 
Adjust the new frequency and call the APPROACH controller. You will receive 
instructions for the further approach in return, confirm them with your readback and 
comply. By the way, with the option “Activate *.kml export” checked in the options, 
you can open the approach path using Google Earth or similar programs. For more 
details refer to O
​ptions menu​
. 
 

 
 
The controller may also provide further heading, altitude or speed instructions. 
Confirm them with your readback and comply. Make sure to adjust the altimeter from 
standard pressure to the local pressure when passing the transition altitude during 
descent. For more details refer to the section “Flight level error tolerance” in 
Options menu​
. 
 

 
  

 
With providing the new heading when intercepting the ILS path or final leg the 
controller will request you to contact TOWER when established on the ILS approach or 
final. Confirm the heading and the frequency change. 

 
 
Adjust the new frequency and report your approach to the runway to TOWER. 

 
From that time on the “Report missed approach” button will be available. In case 
anything goes wrong during approach you can inform the TOWER about the missed approach 
and initiate the missed approach procedure. The controller will provide further 
instructions and guide you through the missed approach route preparing for a new 
landing attempt. Also the missed approach route will be automatically exported if the 
option “Activate *.kml export” is checked in the options. For more details refer to 
Options menu​
. 
 

 
 
Hopefully your approach works out well and you can continue without going around. When 
getting closer to the runway you finally will get the landing clearance from TOWER. 
Confirm it with your readback and then focus on a perfect landing. 
 

 
 

2.14 Taxi to gate / Parking 

Quick reference 
► ATC will detect your touch-down and welcome you to the destination airport 
► ATC will request you to contact GROUND frequency (if available) / readback 
► Adjust GROUND frequency and call GROUND (if available) 
► ATC will provide taxi instructions to parking position or gate / readback 
► Check your airport charts and taxi to the assigned parking position or gate 
Detailed instructions 
Shortly  after  touchdown  the  TOWER  controller  will  welcome  you  to  the  destination 
airport,  requesting  you  to  change  to  GROUND  frequency.  Confirm  the  frequency  change 
with your readback, adjust the new frequency and call the GROUND controller. 
 

 
 
 
The GROUND controller will contact you and provide the taxi instructions. Please note 
that in the current version the plugin does not provide detailed taxiway information. 
It will just give you the instruction to taxi to a certain gate or parking position. 

 
For airports without GROUND frequency you will receive the taxi instructions directly 
from the TOWER controller after touch-down. 
 

3 CONFIGURATION 
 

3.1 Installation 
The plugin is designed for the 64bit version of X-Plane 10 exclusively and available 
for Windows, Linux and Mac operating systems. For installing the plugin simply unpack 
the ZIP-file and copy the complete folder 124thATC64 into following X-Plane directory: 
X-Plane 10\Resources\plugins as shown in the screenshot (Windows) below. This 
procedure also applies for Linux and Mac. 
 

 
 
After starting X-Plane the plugin will be included in the plugin list on the top menu 
bar. Make sure to start the plugin before use. It is strongly recommended to keep the 
automatic start of the plugin activated in the options (refer to description of the 
options in the next section). Please note that the plugin will not show any action 
before the correct frequency for the IFR clearance is adjusted on the COM radio. 
 
  
 
 
Using the “?” entry from the plugin menu the actual version can be checked: 
 

 
 

3.2 Options menu 

The options menu enables you to change several plugin settings, which mainly cover 
interface, flight operation and ATC phraseology. All settings are saved in a plain 
text file in the plugin directory with the file name “Settings.txt” and are 
automatically loaded at each start of the plugin. The plugin comes with default 
settings suitable for quickly getting a first impression of this new ATC experience in 
X-Plane. The fine tuning of the plugin settings can be done later on, based on below 
description of all options. 
 
 
  
 
 
3.2.1 ATC communication box visible (*) 
Selecting the "ATC communication box visible" option all communication between ATC and 
the pilots will be shown as text output. Some functions of the plugin also can be 
assigned to hotkeys, like the display of this communication box. 
 
3.2.2 ATC communication box auto hide [timeout seconds] 
With the setting ATC communication box auto hide you can configure, after how much 
time the text window will automatically disappear again. Simply check the option and 
enter the required time in seconds. 
 
3.2.3 Altimeter in QNH 
By default the barometric pressure is announced using the unit inches of mercury 
[inHg], for example if you fly in US airspace. If you prefer the barometric pressure 
in QNH you have to check this option. 
 
3.2.4 Altimeter [inHg] with decimal 
The barometric pressure with the unit [inHg] will be communicated by ATC including the 
decimal point. This function only applies, if the option “Altimeter in QNH” is not 
selected. 
 
3.2.5 Activate speech output 
If your operating system has a text to speech interface, the ATC and pilot 
communication can be done as voice output checking this option. By the way, in Windows 
you have the possibility to direct the text to speech voice output to a separate audio 
device. This allows to have the ATC voice on your headset independent from other 
simulator sounds, which is quite realistic. How to configure this separate audio 
device is explained in A
​TC voice output settings (Windows)​
. In case you prefer not to 
hear your own requests and readbacks (which is more realistic), the option “disable 
voice on readback” described further below should be activated. 
 
3.2.6 Local transition level [feet] 
The local transition level defines from which altitude the altitude announcements will 
done as flight level. Currently only one global value can be set, however, as 
different airports may have different transition levels, this will be enhanced in 
future versions of the plugin. Please refer to a more detailed description of the 
flight level at the explanation of the option “Flight level error tolerance [feet]” 
further below. Not knowing the meaning of the relation between transition altitude and 
flight level might cause frequent corrective calls by ATC. 
 
3.2.7 Activate flight information (*) [window position] 
All values calculated and used by the plugin can be displayed on screen using the 
"activate flight information" option. This is also quite useful for testing the 
plugin. The additional value defines the position of the window for this information. 
 
3.2.8 Activate *.kml export 
Your actual flight plan, the approach path and also the missed approach path will be 
automatically exported into a *.kml file, which can be opened by Google Earth or 
similar geo-tools. The created files can be found in the plugin directory and will be 
updated during every new flight. Following files will be automatically created: 
FlightPlan.kml → path of the filed flight plan (including vertical profile) 
ILSPath.kml → path for ILS/localizer interception MissedApproach.kml → missed 
approach path (if missed approach is announced) 
 
 
3.2.9 Holding point radius 
Approaching the assigned runway the plugin needs to check, if you already have reached 
the holding point. With this option the radius for this check can be configured 
(default 0,1NM). The check always refers to the runway threshold. In case you are at 
some airport, which demands a track back, means that the taxiway to the runway is 
somewhere in the middle of the runway, the plugin will not let you to contact the 
tower, as it considers the holding point not reached yet. Using this option, the value 
can be increased, solving such problem. 
 
3.2.10 Program FMS on direct to 
In case a “direct to” route change is requested and cleared, the plugin will 
automatically update the flight plan in the flight management system (FMS/FMC). 
 
3.2.11 AI traffic controlled by 124thATC 
This function is currently in early development and intends to control the AI traffic 
in X-Plane. 
 
3.2.12 Autostart on X-Plane startup 
The plugin will be automatically activated at startup of X-Plane. Please note that the 
plugin will not show any action before the correct frequency for the IFR clearance is 
adjusted on the COM radio. 
 
3.2.13 Point instead decimal in radio communications 
In  US  airspace  the  term  "point"  is  often  used  for  indicating  the  decimal  point,  like 
"contact  tower  on  one  one eight point one". In Europe for example the decimal point is 
addressed  as  "decimal",  so  it  should  be  "contact  tower  on  one  one eight decimal one". 
Keeping this option unchecked, the term "decimal" will be used. 
 
3.2.14 Low altitude speed restriction 
Usually below 10.000ft there is a speed restriction of maximum 250kts. If you check 
this option, ATC will inform you in case you exceed the speed restriction below 
10.000ft. 
 
3.2.15 Wind correction angle 
Depending on winds the aircraft heading does not correspond to the really flown 
heading and ATC would provide frequent heading instructions, even though you are 
already flying the correct heading. The plugin will consider winds for the heading 
instructions when the "wind correction angle" option is checked. 
 
3.2.16 Disable voice on readback 
If you prefer talking with ATC yourself, you should select "disable voice on readback" 
and you only can hear the ATC talking and not your own requests or readbacks, which is 
more realistic. This option does not affect the text output, it will remain available 
in the ATC communication box and can be used as help for talking to ATC. 
 
3.2.17 Flight level error tolerance [feet] 
The flight level error tolerance tells the plugin at which altitude deviation to 
inform you, for example "you are 600 ft below your assigned altitude”. Regarding the 
altitude assignments and flight level error tolerance it is essential to understand 
the meanings of pressure altitude, transition altitude and flight level in order to 
avoid frequent corrective calls by ATC. Each airport has a certain transition altitude 
(TA) published in the charts. Until reaching this certain altitude, the altitude 
refers to the actual local barometric pressure, announced by ATIS and ATC. So you need 
to set this barometric pressure on your altimeter in order to get the correct altitude 
reading. All altitude instructions up to this altitude will be provided with the unit 
[ft]. When passing the published transition altitude, this barometric pressure on the 
altimeter has to be set to standard barometric pressure 1013.25 [hPa] (QNH) or 29.92 
[inHg]. From that point on the altitude is announced as flight level based on 100ft. 
For example FL120 means 12.000ft (120 x 100ft), but related to the standard barometric 
pressure and not to the local barometric pressure. ​
When approaching the destination 
airport (descent) and passing the transition altitude, the altimeter needs to be set 
to the local barometric pressure again. In case the altimeter is not set correctly 
when passing the transition altitude (applies for climb and descent), the assigned 
altitude (ATC) and the aircraft actual altitude will not match and that will cause 
frequent altitude correction calls by ATC​
. 
 
3.2.18 Descent vertical speed [fpm] 
In order to be able to calculate the top of descent point (TOD) correctly the plugin 
needs to know the usual vertical descent speed of the actual aircraft. 
 
3.2.19 Heading error tolerance [degrees] 
This value determines the heading tolerance which is still accepted by ATC before 
correcting you. 
(*) Custom command available for keyboard and joystick 
The ATC communication box and the flight information also can be activated via hotkeys 
or joystick/yoke assignments. Please refer to ​
Keyboard and joystick assignment​for 
more details. 
 
3.2.20 Reduce heading vector calls 
Avoid vector calls during the cruise phase (enabled by default when autopilot is 
active). Doesn’t affect approach phase. Pilot will manual follows the flight plan up 
to approach phase. 
 
3.2.21 Precise heading 
If disabled, the heading will be rounded to the nearest multiple of 5 
 
3.2.22 Automatic discover VFR flights 
If enabled, VFR automatic discovery function is deactivated. A check box for set VFR 
flight will be displayed in flight plan dialog instead. 
 
3.2.23 Enable Visual Heading Indicator 
When active, a little textual indicator will show heading error on screen. A custom 
command is available for fast toggle the indicator. 
  
 
3.3 Keyboard and joystick assignments 
 
In order to get quick access to the ATC functions during flight, all essential ATC 
displays and communication boxes can be opened and closed via individually map-able 
keys or joystick/yoke buttons. This can be done via the Joystick & Equipment menu in 
X-Plane. 

 
 
dark_box_toggle → ATC communication box on/off 
flight_informations_toggle →Flight information display on/off 
frequency_selector_toggle → Frequencies selector on/off 
atc_dialog_toggle → ATC dialog box on/off 
show_dark_box → ATC communication box on 
 
 

3.3 Required frequencies to airport 

 
In order to work properly the plugin requires at least a TOWER frequency for the 
airport. In case you want to fly from/to an airport, which has no TOWER frequency 
configured, you need to create a virtual tower frequency for this airport. In order to 
do this first the scenery directory needs to be located, where in the directory “Earth 
nav data” the file “apt.dat” can be found. Example: “D:\X-Plane 10\Custom 
Scenery\EDDH_Hamburg\Earth nav data\apt.dat” 
Next open that “apt.dat” file using some text editor and find the airport header (ICAO 
code). Example: “1 52 1 0 EDDH Hamburg” 
Usually  at  the  end  of  the  file  you  will  find  the  frequency  definitions.  In  case  the 
file  contains  more  than  one  airport  you  have  to  find  the  location  before  the  next 
airport  header  starts.  The  lines  with  frequency  definitions  start  with  a  two  digit 
number, indicating the type of the frequency: 
50 = ATIS 52 = Delivery 53 = Ground 54 = Tower 55 = Approach 56 = Departure 
Each line contains the frequency type, the frequency itself (without decimal point) 
and some description of the frequency. See following example for EDDH airport: 
50 12312 EDDH ATIS 53 12180 HAMBURG GND 54 12127 HAMBURG TWR 54 12685 HAMBURG TWR 52 
12170 HAMBURG APRON 55 12422 HAMBURG APPROACH 
Add whatever frequency you like and make sure, to at least have one tower frequency 
entered: 
54 12127 HAMBURG TWR 
 
 
 

3.4 ATC voice output settings (Windows) 

 
Running X-Plane on Windows the integrated text to speech functions can be used for 
having voice output on all ATC communication. In addition to that the voice output 
also can be directed to a separate audio device, which allows to have the ATC voice on 
your headset independent from other simulator sounds, which is quite realistic. 
In order to get a correct pronunciation of the ATC communication voice output, some 
English voice set needs to be configured in Windows. The required settings can be done 
as shown in following screenshots. 
 
Control Panel → Ease of Access 
  
→ Use the computer without a display 

 
 
→ Set up Text to Speech 
 
  
 
In the speech properties “Voice selection” panel some English language voice set needs 
to be selected, for example “Microsoft Zira Desktop – English (United States)”. 
Further the speed of the voice output can be configured here, try to adjust the speed 
slider and use the “Preview Voice” button for testing. 
 
Using the “Advanced...” button some additional panel for configuring the audio device 
can be opened. This panel allows to configure some separate audio device used for the 
text to speech voice output, for example some USB headset. This way all the ATC 
communication will be directed to your headset, independent from other simulator 
sounds. 
  
 
 
 

3.5 Multi-voice support (EXPERIMENTAL, Windows only) 

 
Multi Voice switching is not enabled by default​
. In order to enable multi voice 
support, you need to set-up Voices.txt according to your system configuration. This 
files is located in the plugin directory: 
xplanedir\Resources\plugins\124thATC64\Voices.txt 
 
If you use windows 10 you can use Voices.txt.sample, I tested on windows 10. 
Simply rename it to ‘Voices.txt’. I
​f you plan to use the sample file, be sure to 
unlock the Eva Voice​​
(see .reg below). 
 
a sample Voices.txt configuration: 
 
user#TTS_MS_EN-US_DAVID_11.0
atc#MSTTS_V110_enUS_EvaM
ai01#TTS_MS_EN-US_ZIRA_11.0
ai02#TTS_MS_EN-US_ZIRA_11.0
ai03#TTS_MS_EN-US_ZIRA_11.0
ai04#TTS_MS_EN-US_ZIRA_11.0
ai05#TTS_MS_EN-US_ZIRA_11.0
ai06#TTS_MS_EN-US_ZIRA_11.0
ai07#TTS_MS_EN-US_ZIRA_11.0
ai08#TTS_MS_EN-US_ZIRA_11.0
ai09#TTS_MS_EN-US_ZIRA_11.0
ai10#TTS_MS_EN-US_ZIRA_11.0
random01#TTS_MS_EN-US_ZIRA_11.0
random02#MSTTS_V110_enUS_EvaM
random03#
random04#
random05#
random06#
random07#
random08#
random09#
random11#
random12#
random13#
random14#
random15#
 
The profiles must be associated to a valid system voice. 
If you have not enough voices for AI, simply leave the field empty or re-use the 
same voice for more profiles like in the sample above. Random profiles are picked 
up and chosen randomly for tower, ground, delivery and center communications. 
 
In order to verify the names of the voices that are available in your system you 
must browse the registry (regedit.exe) and descend to the following path: 
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Speech\Voices\Tokens\ 
 

 
 
MSTTS_V110_enUS_EvaM is the hidden cortana voice. Windows 10 users can unlock 
cortana voices with this .
​reg file​(save the file as whatever.reg, double click on 
it for install it and unlock the voice). 
You are free to install all speech text voices you want and use it with the 
plugin. 
 
If you mess up the Voices.txt configuration, you may not be able to ear voice in 
x-plane, in this case, simple choose a valid voice in control panel (you may do 
restart x-plane/windows): 
 

 
 
At any time, rename Voices.txt, or leave the fields empty in the file, for disable 
voice switching: 
 
user#
atc#
ai01#
ai02#
ai03#
ai04#
ai05#
ai06#
ai07#
ai08#
ai09#
ai10#
... 
 
 

3.6 AI Traffic (EXPERIMENTAL) 

 
3.6.1 Configuration 
 
For enable 124thATC AI traffic, you should activate it in o
​ptions menu​
, and configure 
x-plane AI with the following steps: 
 
Downloading one of the following package (these are lightwave AI models for x-plane): 
http://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/15426-xpfw-a320-ai-pack/ 
http://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/files/file/15508-xpfw-b738-ai-pack/ 
 
there are more XPFW available on the web or at h
​ttp://x-plane.org​page. 
 
 
Unpack the package "\XPlane10\Aircraft\" folder. Please notice that plugin relies to 
the subfolder name (e.g. Ryanair) for identify the airline name, for this, you must 
install only XPFW with the airline coded in the subfolders: 
  
 
​
At the moment, only a bunch of airlines are recognized by the plugin I’ll add more in 
the future. If correctly installed, you should see the name of the airlines: 
 

 
 
 
How to properly set AI: 
 

 
 
​
  
 
​
 
Select how many planes you want, browsing for the XPFW aircraft. Take in account that 
AI traffic affect your framerate. 
 
 
  
 
​
Be sure to check "Save all craft in preferences" for avoid x-plane random pickup on 
sim restart. 
Please note that 124thATCv2 drives only x-plane .acf planes, it doesn’t allow to load 
other object or models. 
 

3.6.2 Important notes 

Please take in account that AI traffic is an experimental state, it doesn’t work 
properly, yet! Please don’t mail me for the following bugs, I’m aware about them, I’m 
already working on it: 
 
● plane floating in the air 
● pushback is incorrect 
● some planes get stucked in the airs 
● movement are not smooth 
● drunk AI movements 
● XPFW models are not supported in X-Plane 11 
 3.7 Additional configuration 
3.7.1 EFASS 2 Integration 
From version 2.0-a56 is available a lua script that permits to export EFASS 2 flight 
plan to 124thATC LastFlightPlan.txt configuration file. 
Simply unpack the Misc\EFASS2_lua_export.zip package to 
%userprofile%\Documents\Froom\EFASS\LUA\autoload\ directory, then "Add" and configure 
script using “Export” button in EFASS 2. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Be sure to disable “Export SID/STAR Waypoints” for avoid conflict with 124thATC SID 
and STAR search function 
 

 
 
 
Thanks to Michael Schachinger, creator and maintainer of the lua script. 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.8 Navdata installation 
 
Starting from version 2.0-a60​
, 124thATC will looks for navdata inside its own folder. 
At the moment, the program does not ships any version of ARINC. SID/STAR function will 
requires a manually installation of ARINC 424 CIFP folder in the following path: 
\x-planefolder\Resources\plugins\124thATC64\navdata\ 
 
X-Plane 11 user can simply copy it from x-planefolder\Custom Data\*. 
No further support will be provided to other formats. 
 
 
A correct navdata installation: 

 
 
 
4 HELP 
 

4.1 Troubleshooting 
4.1.1 Loading issues 
If you face plugin loading issue (error 126/127, dll missing etc), install c++ redist 
libraries: 
 
windows: 
c++ redist 2015 
c++ redist 2013 
c++ redist 2012 
c++ redist 2010 
You can use this nice tool for get all the redist installed automatically: 
Visual C++ Runtime Installer (All-In-One) 
 
linux: 
libcurl 
 
Note: in some cases, uninstall and reinstall the libraries was necessary in order to 
fix the missing dll issue. 
 

4.2 Bug report 

 
If you are experiencing an issue, or you want report a bug, you MUST attach the 
following report to your post. Posts without the attachment will be ignored. I have no 
chance to help nobody without these logs. 
Please take a minute before send the bug and check if it has already been reported. 
You can see the bug list ​
here​and the dedicated section ​
here​
. 
 
 
How create a bug report: 
Be sure to enable debug mode in p
​lugin options​
, then make your flight. Close the sim. 
Create the report package using your platform script (Win, Lin or Mac) located in 
YourXPlaneDirectory\Resources\plugins\124thATC64\64\bugReport\ directory (ensure 
X-Plane is not running before launch the script). 
  
 
 
The script creates a package with x-plane Log.txt, 124thATC .kml and settings files. 
No personal informations will be collected. 
 

 
 
Note that the extension of archive changes depending on your os, .7z in Windows, 
.tar.gz on Linux and .dat on Mac. 
 
Create a new post in the specific f​orum​section. 
 

4.3 FAQs 
 
● 124thATC plugin not showing / not loaded by X-Plane 
You need some additional libraries, check t
​his​paragraph. Also be sure to 
install the plugin in the correct path: XP_folder\Resources\plugins\124thATC64\ 
 
● Text To Speech (TTS) doesn't work on linux 
X-Plane doesn't support speech TTS on linux systems. In the past, I wrote an 
experimental custom OpenAL library function, in order to provide the TTS 
functionality. I later deprecated it because there were other plugins doing it 
well for the whole X-Plane simulator (furthermore, my function was interfering 
 with those software, generating a double audio stream). So I removed it from 
124thATC. You defintely need an external plugins for enable TTS. Somebody 
suggested ​
XLinSpeak​
, a plugin that implement libspeechd TTS. I'm aware also of 
124thATC-speechaddon 
 
● "Contact on 0.00" message 
contact center on 0.00​: the plugin directory has been renamed, please just 
don't do this, leave the original name "124thATC64". The plugin still relies to 
a hardcoded path for refers acc.dat file 
contact tower on 0.00​: the airport you are departing from for obviously reasons 
need to have at least one frequency (tower) available for the communications. 
You are probably using a custom airport without any available frequency. Please 
read ​
this​paragraph for further details 
 
● I like the project and I want to contribute 
You can contribute making a d​onation​
, vote the b
​rainstorming​
, create some 
useful YouTube tutorial for the community, or help t​esting​the plugin. 
 
● Plugin vectors me in the mountains 
124thATC is no still able to determinate the fixes distance to terrain. The 
feature will be added in 2.0a60 version. However, when the feature will be 
added, the plugin will be able anyway to determine the altitude only for the 
fixes lying inside the loaded (in RAM) LOD. This SDK/X-Plane limitation thus, 
will requires an empirical calculation and will results in arbitrary inaccurate 
calculations. 
 
● 124thATC keep saying the altitude is incorrect 
Please read carefully t
​his​section. 
 
 

4.4 Other support 

4.4.1 Forums 
Forum support is provided in the dedicated p
​age 
 
 

5 CREDITS 
 

5.1 Many thanks to 

 
Sven Tunnermann​aka ​
HeliCharly f
​or share the original 124thATC 2009 project code. 
Michael Schachinger​for his big contribute testing, improving plugin and huge work on 
documentation. 
Luigi Sileno​for his information about real flight procedures.